World Mental Health Day: Creating Space to Pause, Connect and Feel

World Mental Health Day: Creating Space to Pause, Connect and Feel

Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being, shaping how we think, feel, build relationships and navigate everyday challenges. Observed annually on October 10, World Mental Health Day encourages people to break the stigma surrounding mental health, speak openly about emotional well-being and recognise the importance of seeking support. In the fast-paced world of academics, careers and personal aspirations, it serves as a timely reminder that taking care of our minds matters just as much as achieving our goals.

At Anurag University, mental wellness is an ongoing commitment woven into campus life. Through the Manorag Wellness Centre – A Psychology Space, the university provides a dedicated avenue for students and staff to seek counselling support, discuss personal concerns and explore ways to manage emotional and academic challenges. The centre helps encourage open conversations around mental health, making it easier to recognise when support may be needed and to approach counselling without fear of judgment. By bringing psychological support into the university environment, Anurag University aims to nurture a campus culture where emotional well-being is recognised as an important part of personal growth and academic life.

Making Mental Wellness Part of Campus Life

Mental well-being cannot be limited to a single day. It requires continued attention, supportive relationships and an environment where people feel comfortable acknowledging their challenges. The Manorag Wellness Centre provides a platform for engaging with this important subject in a welcoming setting. Taking this message forward, Anurag University is organising a Mental Health Carnival on October 9, 2026, bringing students and staff together for an afternoon of interactive experiences, creativity and positive connections.

Rather than approaching mental health only through formal discussions, the carnival explores how encouragement, movement, companionship and moments of joy can create opportunities to reconnect with ourselves and others.

“For me, supporting student mental health begins with creating a community where no student feels alone or left behind. It is about driving meaningful change, raising awareness, and ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and comfortable seeking counseling. Through Manorag Wellness Centre, Anurag University provides a platform for students, staff, and faculty to come together to break the stigma surrounding mental health, foster understanding, and promote a culture of hope, healing, and well-being,” says Ms. Noor Viresh Andharia, Senior Psychologist, Manorag Wellness Centre, Anurag University.

A Carnival of Connection, Creativity and Positive Energy

This World Mental Health Day, Anurag University’s Manorag Wellness Centre is turning awareness into action through a vibrant campus carnival that celebrates emotional well-being, meaningful connections, and the power of positive experiences. Bringing students, faculty, and staff together, the initiative creates opportunities to pause, unwind, express themselves, and engage in conversations about mental health in an open and welcoming environment. Through a series of interactive activities, Manorag reinforces the importance of nurturing mental wellness not only during challenging times but also through everyday moments of joy, kindness, and togetherness.

At the Affirmation Corner, participants are invited to “Take One. Leave One.” by picking up an encouraging affirmation and leaving a positive message for someone else. The activity highlights how thoughtful words can offer reassurance, inspire hope, and make someone feel valued.

The Pet Corner, guided by the inviting message, “Come for the paws. Stay for the pause. Adopt for the cause,” offers a chance to spend time with friendly animals and take a refreshing break from daily routines. Beyond the joy of companionship, the activity encourages compassion and responsible pet adoption.

The carnival also invites everyone to “Let your worries take a balloon ride and bring you lighter vibes,” offering a playful way to acknowledge everyday concerns. Meanwhile, “Let’s Nacho!” adds food, fun and informal interaction to the afternoon, reminding participants that moments of enjoyment and connection have a place in campus life.

“I believe that every student deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported without fear of judgment. Mental wellness is not just about seeking help during difficult times; it is about creating a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their emotions, asking for help, and prioritising their well-being,” says Ms. Rakshitha Sandra, Counsellor, Manorag Wellness Center, Anurag University

Beyond a Day of Awareness

The Mental Health Carnival at Anurag University brings a refreshing dimension to the observance of World Mental Health Day, turning an important conversation into an experience filled with connection, creativity, and positive energy. Through Manorag Wellness Centre, the University is creating opportunities for its campus community to engage with mental wellness in a way that feels welcoming, interactive, and relatable. From uplifting affirmations to moments of laughter, movement, and companionship, every activity offers a reminder that sometimes, taking care of ourselves begins with simply slowing down and connecting with others.

More than a day of activities, the carnival puts the spotlight on a vital part of university life that often goes beyond textbooks, examinations, and future aspirations: emotional well-being. At Anurag University, the celebration is about making room for real conversations, shared experiences, and the understanding that no one has to navigate life's challenges alone. As the campus comes together for this special occasion, the message resonates beyond the carnival itself: mental wellness deserves attention, compassion, and a place in every community, every day.

At Anurag University, mental wellness is not just a conversation. It is a community experience.